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Porter expects slugger Amador to report today

MLBPipeline's Bernie Pleskoff thinks Japhet Amador could be a major contributor to the Astros once he adjusts to playing in the U.S.

By Brian McTaggart
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MLB.com |

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Astros manager Bo Porter said Thursday he still anticipates first baseman Japhet Amador will report to camp today. Amador has been in his native Mexico to be with his wife, who had complications from a pregnancy.

"I think it all depends on when he arrives," Porter said. "When he arrives, he'll take his physical, and [head athletic trainer] Nate [Lucero] and his staff will send him through the strength and conditioning phase of the physical, and we'll go from there."

Amador was signed last year after he hit 36 home runs for Diablos Rojos del Mexico. He led his team in homers and RBIs (121). In 104 games and 449 plate appearances, Amador struck out only 59 times. He played for the Astros in the Arizona Fall League.

A non-roster invitee, Amador is expected to compete for time at first base with Brett Wallace, Jesus Guzman, Jonathan Singleton and Marc Krauss. Porter saw Amador play in the AFL, so he has some familiarity.

"You look at the numbers in which he's been able to put in Mexico, and it's a power bat," Porter said. "I went to see him in the Fall League, and he hit a couple of doubles off the wall and he moves pretty well around the bag. Again, he's an exciting guy to have in camp, and we're excited he's going to join us."